Relationships portrayed in the media can give teens a confusing picture of what a supportive, loving relationship looks like. As a parent, teacher, or caring adult, you can support them as they navigate their first dating experiences.
Read the characteristics below to help your teen or students understand what a healthy relationship looks like, and how to know when a relationship is unhealthy. Need to talk? Text or call the Crisis and Support Hotline anytime of the day or night at or , or chat online.
Signs of a Healthy Relationship: Open Communication. You are both willing to give and take and work towards solutions that benefit both partners. Mutual Respect. You place trust in each other and give each other the benefit of the doubt. Sexual Consent. Together, you talk about what you want your sexual relationship to look like. You check in with each other and always respect physical boundaries.
One partner picks fights and uses guilt or threats to get their way. One partner controls what the other does, what they wear, who they see, how they use social media, etc.
You or your partner lies, hides things, or steals from the other. Sexual Violence. One partner refuses to respect physical boundaries. They may force or pressure the other into sexual activities without consent.
